The first reaction was shock, then a mixture of humility and surprise followed by honor.
Gale Castillo ’73 felt a range of emotions upon being informed she would be one of four 2019 recipients of the Oregon Historical Society’s History Makers Medal, whose past awardees include such luminaries as Nike founder Phil Knight, Columbia Sportswear chair of the board Gert Boyle and award-winning filmmaker Gus Van Sant.
Castillo was honored with the award during a ceremony Oct. 6 at the Oregon Historical Society.
Considering all she has accomplished –– Castillo is the co-founder and president of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, which is the largest in the Northwest, as well as the co-owner and president of Cascade Centers, Inc. –– the Oakland, California native couldn’t help but reflect on where it all began.
In McMinnville, nearly 50 years ago.
Despite initially experiencing what she described as “culture shock,” Castillo thrived at Linfield College.
“I had lots of opportunities,” she said. “What I tell people is you can have lots of opportunities, but you have to step up to them. I did step up and continued to learn and grow.
“Linfield was my first big stepping stone.”
To her surprise, everything she needed was in Oregon — she never left. After finishing her psychology/Spanish degree at Linfield, she earned a master’s in educational counseling at Portland State University. Soon after came Cascade Centers, a Portland-based family affair with her husband and son, which provides counseling services, organizational consultation and training. Then the Chamber, where she established her voice and presence in minority business and leadership development, particularly within the Latino community.
“I’ve been able to do things I really love and care about,” Castillo said. “I care about my family, my community and, as a result, the support from a lot of other people. None of this is possible without the support and insights from a variety of people so, understanding that, I’ve been able to be successful.”
It started at Linfield, where she has maintained a presence over the years as a one-time trustee and as the commencement speaker in 2015. Castillo said when she first stepped on campus, she felt welcome immediately, comforted by small classes and outstanding professors.
And now she’s receiving a medal, chuckling in disbelief about the company she’s now keeping. But then Castillo turned serious.
“If a Linfield student is reading this, if they do what they love, they can be successful,” she said. “It has to be something you really care about, to engage others to help support whatever vision you’re creating.”
